What are education records?

Information recorded in any form that is directly related to a student and maintained by a college or university and by those acting for the college or university.

When is Consent Not Required?

To individuals within the university with legitimate educational interest

To officials at an institution in which student seeks to enroll

To comply with a court order or subpoena

To parents of students who are dependents for income tax purposes

To parents in cases of drug or alcohol violation when the student is under the age of 21

In connection with a health or safety emergency if necessary to protect the student or others

If the data is considered directory information

What is Directory Information?

Name, address, telephone number

Campus e-mail address

Date and place of birth

Major field of study

Dates of attendance, degrees and awards received

Previous educational agencies or institutions attended

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Weight and height of members of athletic teams

What if a student wants to prohibit the disclosure of directory information as well?

Students who do not want their directory information released may visit the Office of the Registrar to complete the appropriate form. Once the form is filed, the student’s record is flagged as “confidential” and no directory information is disclosed except as required by FERPA.

The confidentiality hold prohibits the release of information including but not limited to transcripts, enrollment verifications, and degree verifications.

If the student needs Belmont to release information from the student record, the request must be made in writing, accompanied by legal proof of identity. This applies whether the information is for the student’s personal use or for use by a third party.

Graduation, withdrawal and dismissal from the university do not automatically lift the confidential status on a student’s record. The record will remain confidential until the status is revoked by the student, in writing, accompanied by legal proof of identity.

If a confidentiality request is not filed, Belmont University assumes that a student does not object to the release of directory information.